First production P-8A airframe makes flight debut

Seven months after contract award, Boeing has flown the first of 117 P-8A production airframes that will be delivered during the next eight years.

The first of six aircraft ordered in January for the first batch of low-rate initial production (LRIP-1) completed its maiden flight on 7 July after taking off from Renton Field, Washington, USA, Boeing announced on 19 July.

The 737-800ERX, modified to perform the US Navy's anti-submarine warfare mission, landed at nearby Boeing Field 3h later, where Boeing will install its mission system suite.